The National Basketball League-US (NBL-US) has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1937. Originally known as the National Basketball League, the NBL was formed by three corporations in order to promote professional basketball in the United States. The league quickly gained popularity, attracting top talent and establishing itself as a premier basketball organization. In 1949, the NBL merged with the Basketball Association of America (BAA) to create the National Basketball Association (NBA). However, some teams from the NBL chose not to join the NBA and continued to operate independently. These teams eventually formed the NBL-US, which has since become a respected and competitive basketball league in its own right. Today, the NBL-US continues to thrive, showcasing top talent and providing fans with exciting basketball action.

The NBL-US has seen many legendary players come through its ranks, including Hall of Famers like George Mikan, Bob Cousy, and Dolph Schayes. These players helped to establish the NBL-US as a premier basketball league and paved the way for future generations of basketball stars. The league has also seen its fair share of memorable moments, including thrilling championship games and record-breaking performances. As the NBL-US continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to providing fans with high-quality basketball and exciting competition.

NBL UNITED STATES: THE EXPOSURE LEAGUE

The NBL-United States was a professional basketball league in the United States established in 1937. After the 1948–49 season, its twelfth, it merged with the Basketball Association of America (BAA) to create the National Basketball Association (NBA). Five current NBA teams trace their history back to the NBL: the Atlanta Hawks, the Detroit Pistons, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Sacramento Kings. The NBL-US was revived in 2019 and is currently the only FIBA-recognized league in the United States. The NBL-US was rebranded in 2019 as an off-season International professional tour league with 6 teams and has experienced exponential growth featuring an International Partnership with NBL-Philippines, NBL-Africa, NBL-Carribbean , and NBL- Solomon Islands. The NBL-US is the first Exposure League to have an official partnership with leagues outside the United States.

NBL-UNITED STATES MISSION STATEMENT:

“TO TEACH, DEVELOP, AND EXPOSE BASKETBALL PLAYERS TO NBA, NBAGL, COLLEGE AND INTERNATIONAL SCOUTS WHILE PROVIDING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AN EXCITING BRAND OF BASKETBALL AND ENTERTAINMENT.”

WHY NBL-UNITED STATES?

NBL-United States is the obvious choice for any athlete, club owner, coach, agent, sponsor, scout, and anyone with an interest in professional basketball or the sport in general.  NBL-United States offers a league that provides the perfect balance between coaches and athletes while maintaining a high level of competition and a platform that showcases the best available talent in each respective area. The NBL-United States is the first minor league to feature International, Domestic, and unsigned high school basketball players allowing these athletes to play against other NBL leagues on a professional level.

THE PURPOSE:​​​​​​​

The Purpose of the NBL-United States is to be a bridge to professional basketball opportunities for athletes who are unsigned and looking to play at the next level during their country’s professional basketball offseason. Unsigned High school student-athletes, Unsigned college student-athletes, or athletes looking to enroll in college and play basketball will be the perfect fit for the NBL-United States. Our professional placement service will help educate, mentor, train, develop, and provide National and International exposure opportunities for every athlete playing in our league.

The NBL-United States enters its seventh season in 2026 with 12 teams in the United States. NBL-United States maintains an age group of 12 years of age and up.

The 2026 Season will feature preseason games with the NBL-Africa, NBL-Carribbean

, NBL-Solomon Islands, NBL-Singapore, NBL England, and Events with the NBL-Philippines. This will be the first competition to feature an International Championship game between the Philippines, and the United States.